New Album

Small Town Tales - RELEASE 4 March 2018

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Welcome to the Watling & Bates website. We are a musical duo from Unumgar in Northern New South Wales, Australia. We write songs about small country towns, Australian history, and stories of love and hope.

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OLD TIMES - VIDEO RELEASE

'Old Times'is the second video release from our Small Town Tales album, filmed 'live' with at Valiant Music. Jump over to our video page for more.

The scene has been set at the Eden Creek Hall for our Small Town Tales album launch. A waltz competition and a display of chicken-themed artworks will create the perfect atmosphere for three hours of music, including songs from our new album, first EP, and some earmarked for our next release.

We were awestruck by this Christmas light display by the Watts Family of Ashford, NSW. Not just lights, but music too! 'Blue Christmas' was belting out as we took this shot. Many thanks to the Watts for making our Christmas very special in 2017.

The recording is complete, 12th & Vine Post have done their masterful work, and the CDs are being pressed at Troy Horse in Sydney. Now to synchronise digital distribution, radio, print, and online media with our launch at the Eden Creek Hall. Perhaps a filmclip as well. Time for the chicken to cross the road ...

Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival was wonderful again in 2017, with the Pitts Family Circus introducing their new Little Big Top. We were delighted to be joined by Thor and Jasmine Phillips and family. Thanks to Leahra for taking this fabulous shot, with epic photobombing by Jarrah under our favourite tree.

This photo marks the end of a six month recording project. Small Town Tales, with producer Thor Phillips, seen here on the studio floor. Thor has helped us craft our original works into a very beautiful album indeed, and off now to 12th & Vine Post for mastering, then Troy Horse for manufacture. Many thanks to Jasmine Phillips Design. for smoothing our path with the artwork.

Delighted to have teamed up with O'Shea's Windsor Hotel Dalby to deliver our Bow & Curtsy Aged Care Social Music Program to centres in the Western and Darling Downs. Thanks to their generosity we can reach centres in Dalby, Millmerran, Miles, and Tara. Grateful thanks to Publican Collin Hunt for looking after us.

Warm and wonderful community and music at Tintenbar Up Front's 5th Birthday variety show in October. We were honoured to be featured artists and greatly enjoyed hearing other songwriters and artists presenting their work. Hats off to Peter Lino, the TUF crew, and the Tintenbar Hall Committee. An inspiring community and a well-loved hall. Photo by Joanne Sapphire.

Another fabulous year at the Texas Country Music Roundup! Johnny Rumble and Frances Jones accompanied us to the festival and we had our own stall with bolo ties and crystal balls. It was a heap of fun! We have now done our regulation two years in a row at the Texas Country Music Roundup and look forward to our next chance to participate. Thanks to Barry the Bee Man for this epic photo.